Invigorated by the coaching of Pep Guardiola and physically strengthened by extra hours in the gym, the Bayern Munich forward has produced three seasons of sustained excellence – and, he tells Donald McRae, he is still getting better

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the world’s best footballer of 2014 in the Guardian’s annual ranking, beating past winner Lionel Messi. See the full list and how it breaks down by nationality, league and club